Harper Adams University secures permanent base in Wales

Posted 10 June 2014

Harper Adams University is set to have a permanent base in Wales from July this year. 

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) and Harper Adams have agreed a lease for the pavilion on the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells. The building is to be renamed The Harper Adams University Pavilion.

In addition to serving as a base for the University during major events at the showground, including the Royal Welsh Show and Royal Welsh Winter Fair, it is also intended that the building will accommodate a range of education and outreach activities, including short courses and activities with Welsh schools. 

Vice-Chancellor Dr David Llewellyn said: “The University recruits a significant number of students from Wales each year, we have a vibrant Welsh alumni community and we are actively engaged with the Welsh farming sector. Therefore, it was a logical step to have a permanent base in Wales and where better than at the national showground. 

“We are delighted that the RWAS has given us this opportunity and we are really excited about the new activities we can develop for the benefit of the Welsh farming and food industries.” 

Mr John Davies, Chairman of the RWAS board of directors, said: "The Society is delighted that Harper Adams University is making a positive step to support Welsh agriculture through its permanent site on the showground.  Their presence furthermore supports the society’s charitable objectives to promote education and the uptake of new research and science.

“The pavilion occupies a prime location opposite Wales YFC, providing great opportunities for our younger visitors, the farmers of the future, to learn more about how they take advantage of the opportunities available to them in the agriculture industry.”

Harper Adams will be opening the building for the first time at the Royal Welsh Show 2014 (July 21 to 24), with an opportunity to talk to key staff to learn more about the University's work within the farming and land-based sectors and available course opportunities. 

For those making course enquiries, there will also be the opportunity to pick up a limited-edition Harper Adams/RWS 2014 wrist band.

Harper Adams is once again sponsoring two dairy classes at the show – the Fitzhugh Dairy Championship and the RWAS/Harper Adams Dairy Young Cattle Handlers competition. 

Other activities during the week will include the presentation of the RWAS/Harper Cymru Student of the Year award, cheese and wine receptions each afternoon, a reception for prospective new students and an alumni reception. 

The University is the main sponsor of the Wales YFC Young People’s Village in Builth Wells, a camping and music festival that provides evening entertainment for thousands of young people during the show week.